Bryson Reade began serving in the AFJROTC in ninth grade and remained a member throughout his high school tenure.

TIFTON — Bryson Reade has only ever wanted to serve his country, and now, he’s getting the chance to follow that dream.

The Tift County High School graduate was among nine Georgians honored by Congressman Austin Scott June 10 in Perry for his nomination of them to attend the U.S. Service Academies.

Reade was among three who would be going on to attend the Air Force Academy come the end of June.

Reade stated that he had always wanted to join the U.S. military but had i nitially planned on pursuing an avenue other than the Air Force.

“Air Force Academy wasn’t my original choice, but as time went on, I got my acceptance [to it], and waited longer and longer for my first choice to give me their decision,” he said.

“I started looking into it, and realized that Air Force was actually the best option.”

Reade began serving in the AFJROTC in ninth grade, and remained a member of the student organization until his graduation from TCHS.

He is scheduled to leave for the Air Force Academy June 25, with induction day at the school coming the following day and basic cadet training taking up the rest of his summer.

“It’s scary, I’m nervous, but it’s also really exciting, the opportunities I’ll be able to get,” Reade said.

“I’m really looking forward to it; summer gets cut short, but it’s an exciting and new perspective.”

When classes at the academy start up in August, he plans to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree in science, studying either aeronautic engineering or mechanical engineering.

After he graduates, he can only hope he’ll soar ever higher by being selected for the pilot training program.